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All September on WQXR

The violin never shrinks from the spotlight. It has long epitomized the romance, mystery, and even demonic side of classical music. Some believe it's closest-sounding instrument to the human voice.

Throughout September, WQXR presents ViolinFest, exploring the many sides of the iconic instrument. We find about the science of violin making, the market for rare instruments, the unique qualities of Baroque violins, and just what a concertmaster does. Most of all, we hear great recordings, featuring the young "rock stars" of the instrument, the established veterans, and the greats of the past. Check back here regularly for new features all this month.

Recently in ViolinFest

Wednesday, September 08, 2010

Symphony Hall is focusing on orchestral works that rely solely on the strings as part of ViolinFest. In honor of Antonín Dvořák's birthday today, we're featuring his Serenade for Strings in E major, Op. 22.

Tuesday, September 07, 2010

As part of ViolinFest, Symphony Hall focuses on orchestral works that rely solely on the strings. Tonight: Youthful Strings, or How on Earth did Mozart, Mendelssohn and Britten Compose So Well When They Were Just Kids?

Monday, September 06, 2010

Monday, September 06, 2010

So, WQXR is spending the whole month of September in praise of the violin. Of course I'm a violist at heart, but I thought this would be a great jumping-off point for this week's show. Thus! This week we'll study great Acts of Violins in the 20th and 21st Centuries.

Monday, September 06, 2010

Does the secret to the pristine sound of an 18th century violin lie in the density of its wood? Probably not. But it's among the intriguing questions raised by a recent scientific study of the Vieuxtemps, an instrument described as the "Mona Lisa of violins."

Friday, September 03, 2010

Italian Baroque instrumental music is much more than Vivaldi’s Four Seasons. This week’s Full Rotation is "Flights of Fantasy," a new collection of chamber music that captures the remarkable diversity and sometimes outlandish color of this era in music.

Thursday, September 02, 2010

On Saturday, Sept. 4 through Monday, Sept. 6, WQXR kicks off our month-long ViolinFestby featuring 15 violin concertos that we consider essential. Tune in throughout Labor Day weekend to hear these pillars of the violin repertoire. Here we've included a suggested recording of each of the concertos. Tell us about your favorite violin concerto, your favorite recordings, and what we're missing.